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Lemuel Cruz Cruz was sentenced Monday to 139 years in prison for the murder of Alexandra Cardona Torrado, which occurred on June 24, 2020 in Arecibo.
Judge Joie Lin Lao, of the San Juan Court of First Instance, handed down a sentence of 99 years for first-degree murder and 40 years for violating the Weapons Law, both consecutive sentences. Cruz was also sentenced to seven years for mistreatment and five years for additional mistreatment, to be served concurrently.
Cruz shot Cardona Torrado in front of his residence in Arecibo, after the victim offered shelter to a friend who was facing domestic violence at the hands of the now convicted man.
“The people of Puerto Rico were shocked by the heinous crime committed by Lemuel Cruz Cruz,” designated Justice Secretary Janet Parra Mercado said in a written statement. :”Today justice is done for Alexandra Cardona Torrado, her family and loved ones. We reaffirm our commitment to pursue and prosecute the criminals of this country.”
The head of the prosecutors, Lynnette Velázquez Grau, highlighted the effort to locate and arrest a key witness who was outside of Puerto Rico.
“I recognize the commendable work of the prosecutors and the agents of the Police Bureau in this case,” she added.
